Ken's Japan Recs

A design-world-famous ryokan in the snow country of Niigata — Satoyama Jujo blends farmhouse soul with contemporary craft, and the food is a love letter to the region. The winter stay dreams are made of. Book early; design pilgrims plan ahead.

A Yamagata ryokan where, per Ken’s note, dinner looks mighty fine — and in this part of Japan, the food is the destination. Tohoku’s mountains, hot springs, and serious cooking. Go hungry; the kaiseki will handle the rest.